Xu Shi pinned all her hopes on the Prince of Huai’an, hoping for his sympathy.
Chen Jiao was afraid she would annoy her “cheap” father and advised her to endure it without acting rashly.
Xu Shi couldn’t swallow this humiliation and frowned.
“My daughter is timid, and now people are bullying her outright.”
Chen Jiao patiently persuaded her, “Mother, don’t be foolish. Think carefully—would the main wife’s household willingly let their daughter marry into Jiaozhou?
“They will surely negotiate with Father. If you trouble him at this critical moment, won’t it only add to his worries?”
Xu Shi was stunned.
Chen Jiao continued, “The more crucial the moment, the more we must stay calm. At the very least, we need to wait for the main wife’s reaction before making any moves.”
Xu Shi, anxious and frustrated, said, “You’re right, but I’m impatient. I just want them to give up on this idea.”
Chen Jiao sighed helplessly and waved her hand.
“Mother, you’re too naïve. Once we’re caught in this game, how could they let us escape so easily?”
Xu Shi looked at her but couldn’t say another word.
Chen Jiao was her bottom line.
The governor of Jiaozhou was already fifty years old.
Just thinking about her daughter possibly marrying him made her chest tighten with distress.
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy.
Mother and daughter sat in silence, neither speaking.
No one knew how much time had passed before Chen Jiao finally said, “The most urgent thing right now is for you to ask Father for a reliable old maidservant.
“Tell him that you’re afraid of not understanding the household rules and accidentally offending the mistresses. Having someone to remind you will help avoid mistakes.”
Xu Shi nodded.
Chen Jiao continued, “Don’t complain to Father. Wait until the main wife makes her stance clear. Only then should you plead for mercy.”
Xu Shi reluctantly agreed.
“I’ll do as you say.”
She paused, then added, “This marriage alliance with Jiaozhou was most likely your father’s decision.”
Chen Jiao replied indifferently, “With so many daughters in this household, do you think they’re raised for nothing?”
These words made Xu Shi feel suffocated.
She wanted to say something but hesitated.
Seizing the recent days when the Prince of Huai’an had been treating them well, Xu Shi managed to ask him for an elderly maidservant.
The maidservant, surnamed Jiang, was a household-born servant in the estate.
She was over fifty years old, with a long, stern face like a shoehorn.
She spoke harshly and was not easy to get along with.
Xu Shi had some complaints.
This wasn’t a maid—she was practically an ancestor!
However, Chen Jiao treated Jiang Mama with great respect.
When Jiang Mama taught her etiquette, she learned earnestly without a single word of complaint.
Previously, when Xu Shi asked Chen Jiao to practice the steps of a proper lady, she had strongly resisted.
But now, with Jiang Mama holding a ruler beside her, correcting her posture, she followed the rules meticulously.
Whenever Chen Jiao made the slightest mistake in her movements, the ruler would strike her.
The strikes weren’t heavy, but they hurt.
Jiang Mama sternly said, “A young lady today is not like before. Since you come from the Prince of Huai’an’s household, you represent its dignity.”
Chen Jiao replied, “Jiang Mama’s teaching is correct.”
Jiang Mama continued, “Walk again. You were too fast just now.”
She added, “If you wear a buyao (dangling hair ornament) and it jingles with every step, that is improper.”
Chen Jiao responded obediently.
For several consecutive days, she practiced noblewoman etiquette under Jiang Mama’s strict guidance.
At first, Jiang Mama looked down on the mother and daughter, thinking they had no manners.
But after seeing Chen Jiao’s respectful attitude and willingness to learn, her opinion of her slightly improved.
All the maids in Lixiang Courtyard were sent by Zheng Shi, and every movement was monitored by the main wife’s household.
After enduring for a few days, Zheng Shi finally revealed her true intentions—she proposed that Chen Jiao be adopted into the main wife’s branch of the family.
The Prince of Huai’an came to test Xu Shi’s reaction.
She immediately lashed out, throwing herself onto his lap, crying uncontrollably.
“Chen Lang, A-Ying and I have relied on each other since she was little—she is my lifeblood! The main wife’s family is trying to take my life with this move!”
Chen En was already troubled.
He patted her back and said, “Hui Niang, don’t worry. Our A-Ying…”
Before he could finish, Xu Shi tearfully interrupted, “Chen Lang, back then, my daughter and I waited for you for five whole years. Now that we’re finally reunited, can you really bear to send A-Ying to marry some old man in Jiaozhou?”
Faced with her questioning, Chen En remained silent.
Xu Shi still had some backbone.
She resolutely said, “If I had known this day would come, I would rather have died with A-Ying in Tongzhou than come here to receive even a shred of your so-called favor!”
“Hui Niang…”
“Chen Lang, A-Ying is my lifeblood. We only have each other. Without her, I will not live alone. If you truly intend to marry her off to that old man in Jiaozhou, then on the day she leaves, I will kill myself at the Chen family’s gates—to send her off for the last time.”
Hearing this, Chen En frowned and said impatiently, “Hui Niang, don’t speak such nonsense!”
Xu Shi’s expression turned cold.
She had previously said that she would lower herself no matter what, but when it came to her bottom line, she was as stubborn and unyielding as ever.
“Chen Lang, five years ago, you left without a word. Even if I had to grit my teeth until they shattered, I was determined to protect A-Ying.”
“To you, she is just one of many daughters, but to me, she is my life!”
“She is the daughter I have poured everything into protecting. For her, I am willing to do anything.”
“If you insist on marrying her off to Jiaozhou, then prepare a coffin for me—I won’t stop you!”
Such defiant words made Chen En furious, and he scolded her, “Nonsense!”
Xu Shi remained silent, kneeling on the ground.
All traces of her usual gentle and submissive demeanor were gone—her entire being bristled with defiance.
Chen En felt both sympathy for her hardships over the years and irritation at her stubbornness.
He had initially wanted to help her up and offer a few words of comfort, but seeing her utterly unmoved, he grew annoyed and simply walked away.
In the courtyard, Chen Jiao saw him coming out and bowed.
“Father.”
Chen En looked at her in silence for a moment before saying, “Come here.”
Chen Jiao stepped forward.
As they walked, Chen En asked, “If I were to transfer you to the main wife’s household, would you be willing?”
Chen Jiao responded by taking a step back in order to advance.
“If Father decides so, how could I dare disobey?”
Chen En stopped walking and tested her reaction.
“I suppose you must resent me.”
Chen Jiao thought for a moment and then answered frankly, “Forming an alliance with Jiaozhou must be a decision Father has carefully considered.
“As a member of the Chen family, if I have benefited from its protection, then I must also share its burdens.”
“If sacrificing me can bring peace to Huizhou and ease Father’s worries, then I should bear the duty of a Chen family daughter.”
Her words were impeccably phrased.
Chen En looked at her with satisfaction and gently patted her thin shoulder, sighing, “If Fifth Lady had your level of understanding, I wouldn’t be so troubled.”
Chen Jiao said nothing.
Chen En continued, “Go and persuade your mother. She shouldn’t be talking about life and death all the time—it’s bad luck.”
Chen Jiao nodded.
“I will do my best to talk to her.”
With his hands behind his back, Chen En left, and Chen Jiao watched him go.
Only when his figure disappeared from view did her heart turn completely cold.
Instead, it was Xu Shi’s fierce defiance that surprised her.
After all, Xu Shi had always taught her how to please men, advising her to soften her temper and avoid unnecessary suffering.
Yet now, she herself was acting tough and unyielding, completely different from her usual self.
Chen Jiao felt conflicted.
As she reached the doorway of the side room, she lifted the curtain slightly and peeked inside.
Xu Shi was still sitting on the ground, lost in thought.
“Mother?”
Chen Jiao called softly.
It took a long moment before Xu Shi reacted, her gaze vacant and dull.
Chen Jiao stepped forward to help her up.
“Father has already left.”
Xu Shi responded lifelessly with a simple “Mm” and sat down on a stool.
Her makeup was smudged from crying earlier.
Chen Jiao took a handkerchief and gently wiped away the remaining tears on her cheeks.
Suddenly, Xu Shi said, “My child, let’s find a way to escape.”
Chen Jiao froze.
Xu Shi gripped her hand tightly.
“This place swallows people whole—I can’t stay here another moment.”
Chen Jiao remained silent for a moment before softly reminding her, “Mother, have you forgotten? You once told me that no matter what happens, I must never be too stubborn and invite suffering upon myself.”
Xu Shi shook her head, her emotions agitated.
“I can endure many things, but I cannot endure them laying a hand on you. You are my child, my bottom line.”
“My dear, once you become a mother yourself, you will understand what it means to be strong for your child.”
“I raised you with great difficulty—I will never allow them to ruin you and push you into that pit of fire in Jiaozhou. Do you understand?”
Hearing this, Chen Jiao was deeply moved.
“Mother, the world is in chaos. Even if we leave, where would we find a place to settle?”
Xu Shi insisted, “I don’t care about that!”
Chen Jiao reassured her, “Things have not yet reached a point where there is no way out. Let me think of a solution.”
Xu Shi grew anxious.
“We don’t have much time. I heard they plan to send you away as early as next month.”
Chen Jiao held her hand tightly.
“Let me think carefully about how to break this predicament.”
“But—”
“Mother, I have come of age. From now on, let me protect you.”
Xu Shi’s eyes reddened, and her nose turned sour as she said, “My child, your mother is useless.”
“Mother, don’t speak such disheartening words. We survived even the hardships in Tongzhou—we will surely find a way to escape this calamity.”
Seeing the determination in her daughter’s eyes, Xu Shi nodded repeatedly, wiping her tears.
“Alright, alright, I won’t cause you more trouble.”
After much effort in calming Xu Shi’s emotions, Chen Jiao returned to her room.
She sat on the edge of her bed, lost in thought.
She remained in that state for half a day.
By the time evening arrived, Chen Jiao went to Xu Shi’s room and summoned Jiang Mama.
She had something to discuss with Jiang Mama and asked Xu Shi to stand guard at the door to prevent anyone from eavesdropping.
Normally, Chen Jiao treated Jiang Mama with great respect, but today, she took on the air of a mistress.
The candlelight flickered uneasily.
Chen Jiao sat on the couch with her legs folded neatly, her face expressionless.
Jiang Mama found this sudden change unsettling and frowned slightly.
“I wonder what instructions Young Miss has for me?”
Chen Jiao looked at her.
“I believe Jiang Mama is already aware that the main wife’s household intends to have me replace someone in marriage.”
Jiang Mama remained silent.
Chen Jiao continued in an indifferent tone, “I have found our time together quite pleasant these past few days. If I am married off to Jiaozhou, I will surely ask my father to allow you to accompany me as my dowry servant. Would Jiang Mama be willing to go to Jiaozhou?”
Jiang Mama’s mouth twitched, but she said nothing.
Chen Jiao tilted her head slightly and asked again, “Would you be willing?”
She paused, then added, “If separating you from your son and husband is inappropriate, perhaps I could arrange for your entire family to move to Jiaozhou with me. What do you think?”
This was outrageous!
Jiang Mama was a household-born servant of the Chen family and lived a stable life in the manor.
If she were sent to Jiaozhou, her future would be completely uncertain!
Not expecting this girl to be so ruthless, Jiang Mama could no longer hold back.
She immediately knelt and gritted her teeth.
“How could this old servant be worthy of such an honor from Young Miss!”
Chen Jiao raised an eyebrow, her gaze carrying a trace of disdain.
“So, Jiang Mama does not wish to go?”
Jiang Mama quickly replied, “I wouldn’t dare!”
Chen Jiao slowly stood up and laid things bare.
“If you don’t wish to go, then neither do I.”
Jiang Mama, fearing that Chen Jiao might cause trouble and drag her into it, said directly, “Young Miss, please speak plainly about what you need.”
Chen Jiao looked down at her from above and asked, “Do you know Cui Jue?”
Jiang Mama hesitated for a moment before nodding.
“Yes, this old servant knows Young Master Cui.”
Chen Jiao continued, “Has he returned?”
Jiang Mama answered, “He has. Just two days ago.”
Chen Jiao nodded and paced with her hands behind her back.
“Back then, it was he who sent my mother and me to Huizhou. Could I trouble Jiang Mama to help me get in touch with him? I wish to see him.”
“This…”
“Why? Is it difficult?”
She paused before adding, “Compared to moving your entire family to Jiaozhou, which is harder?”
“No, no! Young Miss, please be patient. This old servant will certainly find a way to carry out this task!”
Chen Jiao smiled in satisfaction and extended a hand to help her up.
“As long as Jiang Mama understands. If I remain in this household, you will naturally stay here as well; but if I am sent to Jiaozhou, then your entire family will go too.”
Jiang Mama forced a smile, one that looked worse than crying.
“Young Miss is right. Since I have been sent to Lixiang Courtyard, I will naturally always have my mistress’s best interests at heart.”
Chen Jiao nodded.
“If everyone benefits, then all is well.”
With that, she pulled a small piece of silver from her sleeve and placed it in Jiang Mama’s hand, coaxing her, “Young Master Cui will surely reward you handsomely in the future.”
Jiang Mama had no choice but to accept it, and at that moment, she seemed to realize that this mother and daughter had a powerful connection.
Daring to use Cui Jue as a shield—Chen Jiao was indeed bold!